Clik here to view.
Senate Passes VAWA
In response to this week’s Senate passage of the Violence Against Women Act, Barbara Weinstein, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement: Ten...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Reform Movement Reacts to SOTU Address
Earlier this week, Reform Movement leaders outlined their hopes and priorities for President Obama’s State of the Union address. President Obama spoke about almost all the issues our leadership...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Every Number Has a Face: What Friday’s Sequester Really Means
On Purim we read about Esther And how Haman’s plot didn’t best her But this year there’s more Evil plotting in store As we worry about the sequester. –Rabbi Joe Black 3 days until sequestration....
View ArticleClik here to view.
SaVE Our University Women
This past weekend, I spent a few days visiting my alma mater. As I walked around campus, I saw familiar places and faces – I ate at my old favorite restaurants and caught up with friends. What I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
VAWA Passes House of Representatives
Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed a comparable version of the Senate’s Violence Against Women Act. In response to the bipartisan passage of this inclusive bill, Barbara Weinstein,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
This Week at the RAC…
To paraphrase the Grateful Dead, what a long strange week it’s been. As you know, I grew up in Montreal and learned about the virtues of universal health care, Anne of Green Gables, and poutine (if...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Achievements of the Past, Challenges Going...
Although the federal budget crisis and the government shutdown have been taking up a great deal of attention in the past few weeks, October 1st also marked the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Spotlight on Economic Security
Domestic violence has a broad and insidious reach. It does not only affect women physically, emotionally and mentally: economic security is an important piece of the puzzle that can help eliminate...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Spotlight on Men
Over the course of October, we will be exploring many different facets of domestic violence, particularly violence against women and girls. It is important however to keep in mind that not all victims...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Spotlight on Teens
As I think about October being Domestic Violence month, I realize that I have spent 19 years bringing the issue of domestic abuse to the forefront in both the Jewish and general communities. I spent...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Spotlight on College Students
When we think about or talk about college campuses, we use expressions like “bubble” or “ivory tower” – which is especially true for my alma mater because we have an ivory-colored tower at the center...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Spotlight on Gun Violence
This October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we at Jewish Women International (JWI) are focusing on a topic that impacts the safety and security of victims of domestic violence and their...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Spotlight on LGBT Survivors
Throughout the month of October, RACblog has shed light on the many people and issues inextricably connected with domestic violence: women, men, teens, college students, the economically insecure and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Spotlight on our Military
When joining the Armed Forces, it is impossible to ignore the potential of risk: risk of serious physical, emotional or mental harm, and of the ultimate sacrifice. But domestic violence should never...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Learning from Dinah
As a woman who looks to the Torah for guidance and for lessons, I very often struggle with the portrayal of women in our Biblical texts. Having been named for one of the Imahot, the matriarchs, I look...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What is the NDAA, and Why Does it Matter?
The National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1197), is an annual bill that oversees spending by the Department of Defense. Many different military-related items are included that provide for the safety...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Women’s Issues at Home and Abroad at the URJ Biennial
Amidst the whirlwind of Biennial, three powerhouse women came together to discuss the challenges that women and girls face at home and around the world. In a fascinating panel moderated by Rabbi Marla...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Deal Reached on Defense Bill
Early last week, a small bicameral and bipartisan working group announced a deal on a new National Defense Authorization Act. The latest bill replaces both the version of the NDAA passed by House...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Saturday is International Women’s Day
This post originally appeared at WRJblog. This Shabbat, as we slow down, disconnect and enjoy the day of rest with family and friends, we also have the opportunity to spend some time to reflect on the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Senate Votes on Military Sexual Assault Legislation
Last Thursday, the Senate finally held a vote on two competing military sexual assault bills. For many months, the two measures – each with the goal to eradicate sexual violence in the armed forces –...
View ArticleClik here to view.
On Purim, Thinking of Vashti and Esther
This post originally appeared at WRJblog. In just a couple of days (Saturday, March 15 – Sunday March 16/14-15 Adar) we will be celebrating Purim, a holiday full of good food, costumes, and fun. In...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Double Booked: You Don’t Need it “All,” You Just Need a Sofa
By Lori Weinstein I had done it all: worked full time, part-time, downtown, from home, started my own business, even ran someone else’s business. From the time that my son was born, through the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Joining Together to End Domestic Violence
This piece originally appeared at WRJblog. As we move out of the Passover season, into the Omer and towards Shavuot, it is important not to lose sight of the moving themes and topics that Passover...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Thinking About Domestic Violence in the Context of College Campus
This post originally appeared at WRJblog. The JWI Mother’s Day Flower Project is an important opportunity to restart the conversation about domestic violence and sexual assault. Thinking about the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Reclaiming Matriarchy in our Traditions
This post originally appeared at WRJblog on Wednesday, May 7th. There is no denying that our traditional Jewish texts are male-dominated. When reading passages from the Torah or Talmud, it is clear...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Reform Movement Responds to Kidnapping of Schoolgirls in Nigeria
Rabbi David Saperstein’s statement on the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Nigeria was quoted in the Jerusalem Post. You can read the full article here. Several weeks ago, Boko Haram, a militant Islamist...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sexual Violence on College Campuses
College students nationwide are uniting in the fight to prevent and penalize sexual attackers on their campuses. The Obama Administration has taken a “strong stance” on the issue. The White House...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Protecting Domestic Violence Victims from Guns
This morning the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing called VAWA Next Steps: Protecting Women from Gun Violence. Greater attention paid to the intersection between gun violence and domestic...
View ArticleClik here to view.
This Week at the RAC: Preparing for High Holy Days & Get Out the Vote
The new Legislative Assistants jumped into work this week and are already busy with meetings, research, writing press releases and more. Get to know the class of 2014-2015 before you meet them at the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Celebrating a Milestone for VAWA
By Debbie Rabinovich This week marks a major milestone for me: I am turning 18. The Big One-Eight. I love the number 18. The number 18 means that I get to vote. I can donate blood. I can go on...
View ArticleClik here to view.
“Women’s Issues” Are Everybody’s Issues: Preventing Sexual Assault is On All...
Tomorrow, President Obama and Vice President Biden will announce a new campaign to prevent sexual assault on college campuses. Entitled “It’s On Us,” the campaign will emphasize that it is the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Channeling Moral Outrage Into Action To End Domestic Violence
If you’ve turned on the television or even glanced at a newspaper over the past several weeks, you’ve likely seen coverage of Ray Rice, the Baltimore Ravens running back who punched his then-fiancée...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#ProtectAllWomen From Gun Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, when we devote time and energy to making ourselves and those around us aware of one of the most insidious and silent problems that plagues women, men, and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
When Personal Safety Proves an Obstacle to Voting
During my senior year of college, I worked as a courtroom advocate at the St. Louis County Domestic Violence Court, a division of the court system that deals exclusively with orders of protection in...
View ArticleClik here to view.
I-VAWA? WE-VAWA: We All Must Do Our Part to End Violence Against Women and Girls
One out of three women worldwide will be physically, sexually, or otherwise abused during her lifetime. In some countries, it’s as many as seven in ten. Violence against women is a human rights...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What Do Jacob the Patriarch and Senator Klobuchar Have in Common?
This week, we read my favorite portion in Genesis, Parashat Vayishlach (“he sent”). Among the other stories in Vayishlach, we read about the brothers Jacob and Esau’s first meeting since Jacob stole...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Hanukkah Miracles and Mitzvot for Children
This post originally appeared on the WRJ Blog. At the moment of rededication, the Maccabees relit the ner tamid, the eternal flame in the Temple. The ner tamid symbolizes God’s constant presence with...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A New Year’s Resolution to Ensure Safety for Survivors of Abuse
During my senior year of college, I worked as a courtroom advocate at the St. Louis County Domestic Violence Court, a division of the court system that deals exclusively with orders of protection in...
View ArticleClik here to view.
For Women in the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, A Chance for Justice
When I think of Indian reservations, and the laws that govern them, the first things I think about are always casinos. Driving down I-95 from Jacksonville to Miami each year to visit my relatives, we...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Beyond Candy Hearts: Reflecting on Healthy Relationships This Valentine’s Day
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us are thinking more and more about relationships. It’s hard not to, what with the never-ending stacks of pink and red candy lining grocery store aisles. Whether...
View ArticleClik here to view.
L’Taken Student Lobbies to End to Violence Against Women
Over the course of six L’Taken seminars this winter, I had the opportunity to work with inspiring groups of teen advocates dedicated to ending violence against women. At the final seminar of this...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Not Enough: The Ongoing Fight for Women’s Liberation
As a kid, “Dayenu” was perhaps my favorite Jewish holiday song. It’s catchy, it’s upbeat, and, if you sing the full 15 verses, it goes on forever. With “Dayenu,” we express our thanks for the myriad...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Progress and Finding Inspiration for Action
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, let’s take stock of the progress—and the setbacks—we saw for women’s rights policy this month: In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Liberation from Egypt, Liberation from Violence Against Women
By Becky Wasserman Passover is a time to remember the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. It’s a time to remember slavery and celebrate liberation. It’s a time to reflect on the modern sources of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
This Mother’s Day, Supporting Mothers in Shelters
This post originally appeared as a WRJ Weekly Digest. This year, 45,000 women and children will spend Mother’s Day in shelters for survivors of domestic abuse. WRJ is proud to partner for the second...
View ArticleClik here to view.
With Each Story, Recommitting to End Violence Against Women
In late April, Nigerian armed forces rescued 93 women and 200 girls who had been held by the terrorist group Boko Haram. When news broke of the rescue, there was early hope that these girls were the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Ensuring Servicewomen Have Access to the Justice They Deserve
This week, Congress will consider amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual bill that sets policy for the Defense Department by authorizing programs and suggesting funding...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Senate Fails to Advance Justice for Servicewomen
It’s impossible to ignore the potential of risk of joining the Armed Forces: risk of serious physical, emotional or mental harm, and of the ultimate sacrifice. But rape and sexual violence, especially...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Realizing the Promise of Title IX
Yesterday, we celebrated the 43rd anniversary of Title IX, a section of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the Civil Rights Act that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The House Takes a Step towards Banning Guns for Domestic Abusers
Last week, Congress moved closer to passing legislation preventing domestic abusers and stalkers from purchasing or possessing guns, as Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) and Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL-10)...
View Article